Forced migration reached record levels in 2015, increasing with unprecedented speed and scale that resulted in the displacement of 19.6 million people. In recognition of the health challenges faced by such populations, the Academy has published a report of a roundtable meeting on 'Forced migrant health: priorities for health research'.

Chaired by Professor Dame Anne Mills DCMG CBE FRS FMedSci, the meeting was held to better understand the health challenges facing forced migrant populations, and explore the research priorities required to meet their health needs.

The report notes that the current evidence base is fragmented and that a broad audit is needed to understand and strengthen evidence on forced migrant health. Looking forward, it also stresses the need for more cross-discipline - and cross-border - collaboration to align research practice, standards, and terminology, and help share the expertise needed to improve clinical care for this diverse population. The report recognises that doing so will not only deliver health benefits to forced migrants, but to society as a whole.

The heterogeneous and difficult backgrounds of forced migrant populations are associated with a myriad of health determinants which are often compounded by marginalisation and poverty upon arrival. To address the complex issues surrounding the health needs of these populations the Academy convened a roundtable of relevant experts in forced migrant health research. Considerations centre on research priorities, methods and funding, and identify the use and development of technology, and global cooperation, as exciting opportunities to further this area. The report also highlights the wider value in better supporting forced migrants with health expertise to make use of their skills in the research and health community.

The report is available to download from the right hand side of this page, and from our dedicated policy page which provides additional information about the event.